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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Patricia D. Ragan, PhD, MPH, PA-C, Epidemic Intelligence Service (Epidemiology), Florida Department of Health - Epidemiology, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #A-12, Tallahassee, FL 32301, 850-245-4444 X2436, patricia_ragan@doh.state.fl.us, Joann Schulte, DO, MPH, Bureau of Epidemiology - Investigation Section, Florida Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #A-12, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1720, and Stephen J. Nelson, MA, MD, FCAP, Florida Medical Examiners Commission, Chairman, Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties, Chief Medical Examiner, 1021 Jim Keene Boulevard, Winter Haven, FL 33880-8010.

During the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, Florida experienced an epidemic of hurricanes, with eight hurricanes impacting the state. In addition to causing several billion dollars in property damage, the morbidity and mortality was significant, with 208 deaths in Florida attributed to direct or indirect effects of the hurricanes. This study analyzed hurricane-related deaths reported by the Medical Examiners Commission (MEC) for the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons.

The objectives of this study were to 1) describe the hurricane-related mortality associated with each storm, as well as the overall hurricane season mortality for 2004 and 2005 2) accurately characterize the hurricane-related deaths and 3) based on these findings, identify strategies to prevent or reduce direct and indirect future hurricane deaths.

Results: For 2004, there were 144 total hurricane-related deaths. The majority of deaths (59%) occurred in the post-impact phase. Accidents (unintentional injury) accounted for 76% of deaths. Trauma accounted for nearly half of all unintentional injury deaths, followed by drowning, other injury, carbon monoxide poisoning and electrocution.

Preliminary analysis of the 2005 hurricane mortality was based on 64 deaths. Sixty-one percent of deaths occurred in the post-impact phase. Accidents (unintentional injury) accounted for 84% of all deaths, with trauma accounting for half of all unintentional injury deaths, and drowning and carbon monoxide poisoning being the other major contributors.

Most hurricane- related deaths are due to unintentional injury and therefore, preventable. Prevention messages should target high-risk, post-impact activities, particularly motor vehicle use, clean-up activities, generator use, and electrical power outages/restoration.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Discuss the characterization of hurricane mortality by phase of occurrence, circumstance and manner of death
• Describe the major findings from the 2004 and 2005 Florida hurricane seasons mortality
• Recognize that many hurricane related deaths are preventable and target prevention messages accordingly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No